Inferior Gluteal Nerve Flashcards

Study the inferior gluteal nerve, including its sacral plexus roots, course below piriformis, motor supply, and clinical significance.

Card 1 of 25Question

From which nerve plexus does the inferior gluteal nerve arise?

The sacral plexus.

In This Section

1. From which nerve plexus does the inferior gluteal nerve arise?

The sacral plexus.

2. Which spinal nerve roots contribute to the inferior gluteal nerve?

L5, S1, and S2.

3. From which divisions of the sacral plexus does the inferior gluteal nerve arise?

The posterior divisions of the anterior rami of L5, S1, and S2.

4. Is the inferior gluteal nerve primarily motor or sensory?

Primarily motor.

5. Which muscle receives motor innervation from the inferior gluteal nerve?

Gluteus maximus.

6. Where does the inferior gluteal nerve originate within the pelvis?

From the sacral plexus on the anterior surface of piriformis.

7. Through which opening does the inferior gluteal nerve leave the pelvis?

The greater sciatic foramen.

8. Does the inferior gluteal nerve pass above or below piriformis?

Below piriformis.

9. Which artery commonly accompanies the inferior gluteal nerve into the gluteal region?

The inferior gluteal artery.

10. What is the relationship of the inferior gluteal nerve to gluteus maximus?

It approaches and branches across the deep surface of gluteus maximus.

11. How does the inferior gluteal nerve distribute its motor branches?

It divides into multiple branches that enter the deep surface of gluteus maximus.

12. Which major nerve also normally exits the pelvis below piriformis near the inferior gluteal nerve?

The sciatic nerve.

13. How does the inferior gluteal nerve differ from the superior gluteal nerve in its course?

The inferior nerve exits below piriformis, while the superior nerve exits above it.

14. Does the inferior gluteal nerve provide cutaneous sensation to the buttock?

No, it does not provide a cutaneous sensory distribution.

15. Which movement is primarily weakened by inferior gluteal nerve injury?

Powerful extension of the thigh at the hip.

16. Which rotational action may also be weakened by inferior gluteal nerve injury?

Lateral rotation of the thigh at the hip.

17. Why may a patient with inferior gluteal nerve injury have difficulty rising from a chair?

Gluteus maximus weakness reduces the force available for powerful hip extension.

18. Which activity commonly becomes difficult with significant inferior gluteal nerve damage?

Climbing stairs, especially when lifting the body onto a higher step.

19. What compensatory gait pattern may occur with inferior gluteal nerve palsy?

A backward trunk lean during early stance to reduce the hip flexion moment.

20. Why can level walking remain relatively preserved after isolated inferior gluteal nerve injury?

Passive hip structures and other muscles can compensate during less demanding walking.

21. Which muscle undergoes denervation atrophy following complete inferior gluteal nerve injury?

Gluteus maximus.

22. Which clinical maneuver can help assess inferior gluteal nerve function?

Resisted hip extension, preferably with the knee flexed to reduce hamstring contribution.

23. Why is the inferior gluteal nerve vulnerable during poorly placed gluteal injections?

It travels deep in the gluteal region, where misplaced injections can injure nearby nerves.

24. Which pelvic injury can damage the inferior gluteal nerve near its origin?

A sacral fracture involving the sacral plexus or its nerve roots.

25. What finding distinguishes isolated inferior gluteal nerve injury from superior gluteal nerve injury?

Weak powerful hip extension rather than the characteristic pelvic drop from hip abductor weakness.